Liverpool’s CIF launches £200m construction framework

Liverpool-based Construction Impact Framework (CIF) has launched a £200m framework.

CIF is an Official Journal European Union (OJEU) compliant company that provides public sector organisations with a fully-compliant route to procure construction works and services.

Supply partners on the framework will have the opportunity to secure small, medium and major construction contracts across the North West.

Established in 2015, Baltic Triangle-based CIF is creating opportunities for small to medium-sized building contractors who reported an average business growth of 3.5% with continued growth forecast.

The proven economic growth is creating long-term sustainable jobs within the industry, offering a route to work for young people who are engaged in apprenticeship programmes.

CIF’s new framework is a ‘one-stop shop’ providing construction works and services across 14 groups of supply partners.

The firm currently works with a broad range of clients, including universities, NHS Foundation Trusts, local authorities and social housing providers, in part, due to its ethical approach to procurement.

Boasting a range of 14 different types of construction works and services, with 64 supply partners, the business is making great strides across the region.

The company’s social business model has also generated interest from across the country with enquiries from throughout the UK, most recently London and Northern Ireland.

Working with communities is central to the CIF ethos, it says. With every contract the company ploughs back 33% of profits into community or charitable services, working hand-in-hand with clients to secure the best possible outcome.

CIF has helped to sustain, grow and initiate projects across the North West supporting the public sector to improve health, education, employment and anti-crime measures, not provided from their core budget.

One example is a partnership with Liverpool John Moores University which supported Liverpool’s long-established Bronte Youth and Community Centre by commissioning specialists to work alongside the team helping with long term sustainability and an upcoming re-launch.

Also, The Princes Trust in Salford has benefited through funding for 20 places for young people, in conjunction with Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.

These opportunities have opened new doors and the chance of careers in the NHS.

CIF is headed by managing director Sara Lawton, a Toxteth-born entrepreneur who has an established track record in delivering change across communities, as well as winning a host of awards including Female Innovator 2017, 2015 Mazda Real Challenger, 2014 Merseyside Woman of the Year and in the same year Merseyside Community Woman of the Year.

At last year’s Merseyside Independent Business Awards CIF won ‘Community Impact’ Business of the Year.

Sara was also the leading force behind the Toxteth Fire Fit Hub, Liverpool’s Super Youth zone supporting thousands of young people from across the city.

She said: “It’s been a really positive first few years for CIF; as a business, we have gained both respect and a reputation for ‘doing what we say on the tin’.

“Our collaborative approach to working has resulted in our business growing due to client recommendation and that is the best endorsement a business can hope for.

“Our initial social impact report churned out lots of amazing statistics, but on a personal note what inspires me the most is the fact that our business has directly helped over 3,000 vulnerable people – that is why we do what we do.”

She added: “We’re really proud of our strategy of procuring construction services while simultaneously supporting initiatives that will hopefully relieve the pressure on public services.”